ROME, Italy—Jannik Sinner returned to the spotlight at a packed pre-tournament press conference for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where he received a warm welcome from attendees. The world No. 1 is set to compete in his home country for the first time since completing a three-month anti-doping ban due to two positive tests in 2024. This marks his official return to competition following his last appearance at the Australian Open.
Sinner expressed his readiness to engage with the media and acknowledged the heightened interest surrounding his return. “There’s a lot of attention,” he noted, highlighting the curiosity fans and reporters have regarding his trajectory after the suspension. This event is particularly significant as it is his first outing in Rome since 2023.
Amid lighter moments, Sinner humorously addressed rumors about his personal life, dismissing paparazzi reports featuring him with model Laura Leito, stating, “I’m not in a relationship!”
Delving into more serious topics, he reflected on his time away from the sport, reassuring fans that the ban would not hinder his participation in any major tournaments in 2025. His determination to move forward suggests a resilience that spectators will surely admire as he re-enters the competitive arena.
This return represents not just a personal comeback for Sinner but also an opportunity for him to regain his standing in the tennis world, sticking to his commitment to improve and learn from the past. Fans can look forward to seeing how he channels this experience into his performances on the court.